The Menon Lectureship in Robotic Surgery and the Menon Medal will recognize the groundbreaking achievements of Dr. Menon in the area of robotic surgery. Known internationally for his work, Dr. Menon established the world or robotic surgery, ranging from prostate, bladder and kidney cancer, to kidney transplantation.

“More than three million patients from around the world have undergone robotic surgery,” Dr. Menon said. “Henry Ford Hospital was the functional birthplace of robotic surgery, and I feel privileged to be a part of that. I am very appreciative of this recognition, and for the ongoing support of my colleagues, peers in the urological community and Henry Ford Health System administration.”

Supported by the Endourological Society and Society for Urologic Robotic Surgery, NARUS will take place in Las Vegas on Feb. 17. This annual symposium will be the world's largest and most comprehensive meeting on urologic robotic surgery, bringing together more than 40 robotics experts from major academic centers across North America.

Each year, the Menon Lectureship in Robotic Surgery will serve as the keynote address.

“This is a recognition given to an innovator and leader in robotic surgery, and it was unanimous among NARUS faculty that it should be created in honor of Dr. Menon,” said Craig Rogers, M.D., director of Renal Surgery at Henry Ford Hospital. “His innovation was foundational to creating and advancing robotic surgery for prostate cancer. Each year, the Menon Lectureship in Robotic Surgery will recognize a robotic surgeon who has made high-impact contributions to this area of medicine.”

Following Dr. Menon’s inaugural lecture, Henry Ford urologist James Peabody, M.D. will complete a robotic prostatectomy, and Dr. Rogers will complete a robotic partial nephrectomy, both of which will be livestreamed via video from Henry Ford Hospital to NARUS. The livestreamed procedures will allow those in attendance, including surgeons and operating room staff from around the country, to observe and learn from the procedures in real-time.

“Within minutes of Dr. Menon receiving this award and giving the inaugural lecture, livestreamed surgeries will begin broadcasting to NARUS from around the country, including from Henry Ford Hospital,” Dr. Rogers said. “Henry Ford Hospital is where it all started when Dr. Menon completed the first robotic prostatectomy in 2001. Completing these livestreamed procedures for the purpose of education is really a tribute to him.”